Update on Suspected Norovirus Outbreak at Glasgow Hotel

July 19, 2010 7:00 PM

The two guests from the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow who were admitted to Gartnavel General yesterday have both been discharged from hospital.

Four new cases have shown symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting – thought to be Norovirus - in the last 24 hours. However, the hotel has only one remaining guest who is symptomatic.

Seventeen members of staff have also been symptomatic and will remain at home until well.

Following investigations by the Outbreak Control Team, the total number of guests who have experienced symptoms since the onset of the outbreak last Wednesday is 58. These individuals are all now recovering with the exception of the one symptomatic guest remaining in the hotel.

Chair of the Outbreak Control Team, who met this afternoon, Dr Anne Scoular, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Public Health Consultant, said: “Laboratory confirmation is still awaited but we do believe, based on the clinical presentation of the cases, that this is a Norovirus outbreak. We are however continuing with a full and thorough investigation as to the cause or source of the illness.

“We continue to be satisfied with the broad range of measures, including a programme of extensive cleaning using anti-viral agents, that have been put in place together with the Hilton team to contain the illness. All the appropriate infection control measures that we would expect remain in place.

“We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and our advice to those guests in the hotel who are not symptomatic and to those who are due to check in is the same as it is for any community case - to follow strict hygiene rules such as regular hand washing.

“I would advise anyone who has either stayed or worked at the hotel or used its facilities and is experiencing either diarrhoea and/or vomiting and a fever to contact NHS24 on 0845 4 242424.

“The hotel is now fully operational and once again I would like to thank staff at the Hilton for their excellent help and cooperation with us.”

“Norovirus infection is a common viral illness present throughout the community and can spread rapidly in areas with a high concentration of people such as hotels, cruise ships, hospitals and schools.

The outbreak control team will meet again tomorrow morning after which an updated media statement will be issued.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The outbreak control team includes representation from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Health Protection Scotland and Glasgow City Council’s Environmental Health Department.